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Aldesleukin

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(al des loo' kin)

Brand name(s): Proleukin
Other name(s): IL-2; Interleukin-2; r-serHuIL

Contents of this page:

About your treatment

Your doctor has ordered the drug aldesleukin to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein or under the skin.

This medication is used to treat:

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

Aldesleukin is in a class of drugs known as cytokines. It is similar to a chemical which the body produces. Aldesleukin increases the body=s ability to fight cancer. In addition, aldesleukin stimulates the body to produce other chemicals which increase the body=s ability to fight cancer. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

Other uses for this medicine

Aldesleukin also is used to treat metastatic melanoma. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Precautions

Before taking aldesleukin,

Side effects

Side effects from aldesleukin are common and include:

Other possible side effects:

Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or lasts for several hours:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Special instructions

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.